Q: Over the past year I have heard/read bits and pieces regarding worming & the possibility that wormer may become a prescription product. Why?

A: I don’t think the generic wormers will ever become prescription products but if newer stronger generation wormers become available they often will be scheduled as prescription products due to the risk of indiscriminate use. A good example of this are the wormers that have been developed to kill round hook and tapeworms. Many people will purchase the “plus” product simply because it is more expensive or kills more worms even though tapeworms are not common in horses. If the product is sold only through veterinarians the proper indications for it use can be given and the product can be used properly.

Q: We are having frost every night, what is the best worming strategy for pasture horses in fall.

A: In Saskatchewan a good Ivermectin based wormer for the fall should be given any time now. For young weaned or yearling horses and follow up treatment should be given in a month.